Consultation is due to start on how up to £3million of Borderlands funding could be spent within a Cumbrian town.

The residents and businesses of Longtown are currently being asked for their opinions on Longtown and how it could be improved and how the Borderlands funding could be used to help boost the economy of the area.

Volunteers for a ‘Town Team’ to help design the ‘Place Plan’ for Longtown are also sought.

The first consultation event will be held at 10:30 am this Saturday, May 21, at Longtown Community Centre. The consultation sessions will result in the production of a ‘Place Plan’ at the end of the year.

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A ‘Place Plan’ is a document which will outline the 10–20-year vision for Longtown as well as outline projects that are eligible for Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal funding.

The Place Plan will be tailored to the unique features of Longtown, outlining how the town will build upon its assets and strengths to address its challenges.

As a community led process, the development of the Place Plan will involve extensive community consultation to ensure that the eventual projects match the needs and ambitions of the local community.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr John Mallinson, said: "It’s important that the residents and businesses in Longtown have their say on how they want the town improved in the future.

"The Borderlands funding will provide welcomed investment in the area and how it should be spent should be determined by the local communities.2

Funding comes from the £452million Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal signed in March 2021.

The growth deal was signed between the UK and Scottish governments and the five councils of the Borderlands Partnership made up of Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council.

As part of the growth deal, £50million has been allocated to the Place Programme.

The Place Programme's aim is to recognise the importance that smaller rural markets and coastal towns have to the local economy of the Borderlands and help revitalise these towns across the Borderlands region.

The Place Programme selected 21 Places to receive up to £3million in Borderlands funding. Towns were selected for funding using a prioritisation methodology.

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